I have a little gift for you today. The gift of language. Today's word of the day–make that "words" of the day, for there are many here–is in the story below. You'll also learn about this photo–snapped December 19th in the town of Bandol. A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse Driving round and round the seaside town of Bandol, I heard a … Continue reading A Christmas story filled with French words
Holiday progress report: I haven't begun to look for the santons (pictured last year)–and the box of ornaments is still waiting to be unpacked. Doubtful things will come together this season, but I do know where to find the recipe for this cake! Meantime, a story for you today about writing… and how to tell all those stories you've got up your sleeve–in one fell … Continue reading laquelle
Parasol pines and the sunset over the Mediterranean, at Le Port d'Alon in St Cyr-sur-Mer. coucher du soleil (kew-shay-dew-sow-lay) : sunset Audio file: listen to Jean-Marc Download MP3 or Wav file Ce soir à Bandol, le coucher du soleil est à 16h56.Tonight in Bandol, the sunset is at 4:56 p.m. A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse I felt guilty taking Smokey for the walk this … Continue reading how to say sunset in French?
Un vrai bonnard. Don't miss this inspiring story about a winemaker's comeback following a devastating storm. Pictured: Raimond de Villeneuve. Photo montage from Google images. la grêle (grel) : hail Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Wav file Un orage de grêle détruit en deux minutes deux années de récolte de raisins. A hail storm destroys in two minutes two years worth of grapes. … Continue reading Grele: Solidarity during a devastating hailstorm at winemaker Raimond de Villeneuve’s vineyard
The golden light to the left is the sunset hitting the coastal fence. The golden light to the right is Smokey, enjoying our late afternoon walk. une visite de contrôle : an inspection, check-up, follow-up visit Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Chez le dentiste, j'ai passé une visite de contrôle.At the dentist's, I had a check-up. A Day in a French Life… … Continue reading How to say a “check-up” in French?
We weathered the storm in Phoenix. More, in today's letter. (Pictured, my niece "Ray-Ray".) remonter le moral : to lift one's spirits, to cheer somebody up Audio File: listen to the following words: Download MP3 or Wav file A Phoenix, je suis allée rendre visite à ma soeur pour lui remonter le moral. I went to Phoenix to visit my sister and cheer her up. A Day … Continue reading how to cheer someone up in French
Thank you for the generous "welcome back" following Wednesday's post. I am touched to the core–or coeur–by your encouraging words and warm reception! These flowers are for you, en vous remerciant! Picture taken in Ile Saint Louis, Paris. le miaulement : miaowing (or le cri du chat) Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's word: Download MP3 or Wav file Depuis le couloir, j'ai entendu … Continue reading What is “miaulement”? + a new Paris tip on what to see in the city!
The writer reflects on their recent sabbatical in Paris, expressing initial nerves about potentially not returning to writing. They recognize their belief in being an “all or nothing” person but acknowledge a more adaptable nature within themselves. Gratitude is extended to readers who joined a recent cruise from Paris to Normandy, highlighting the experience and the beauty of the region. The writer recalls meaningful encounters, including moments spent with friends and the touching visit to Omaha Beach. They conclude by inviting readers to enjoy a holiday CD featuring French Christmas songs and share images from the cruise experience. Continue reading Bonjour. It’s good to be back!
An artist's residence in the seaside town of Bandol. Un mois sabbatique. Some talk of a sabbatical year, but one month may just be enough to recharge these batteries after 11 years of online journaling. In November, I'll follow a gentle rule: no emails, no blogging. Thanks for helping me stick to it…. If you have sent me a note in 2011 or 2012 and … Continue reading Blog hiatus + special story… and see you in December
Stripey awnings, ardoises, or chalkboards, curly handwriting, mysterious woman…. What's so French about this? Photo taken in Lorgues, France, where today's story begins…. le bidou (bee-doo) : tummy, stomach Le bidou is slang and is also used in kid speak. (It is another entry in our Petit Lexique de Langage Enfantin /Glossary of Baby Talk.) Audio File: MP3 or Wav fileSi tu veux muscler … Continue reading Say “six pack abs” and the French gutbuster!
